Claude Galle - Rare Pair Of Early Empire Period Candelabra With Caryatids - Circa 1805

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A magnificent pair of early Empire candelabra with caryatids in patinated and gilded bronze, each featuring three lights. The central figure is a finely sculpted caryatid woman, draped in the classical antique style, gracefully supporting a vase-shaped nozzle upon her head. Two elegantly curved, foliate-wrapped candle branches extend from a tapering square stem, each adorned with drip pans and nozzles. The bobeches are exquisitely chiselled with palmette motifs. Standing upon a stepped circular pedestal, each figure is accompanied by a pair of panthers beside a gadrooned cup brimming with vine branches. The exceptional quality of the workmanship and the refinement of the sculptural details suggest the hand of a master bronzier such as Claude Galle.


An identical model was once part of the private collection of King George IV (1762–1830) of the United Kingdom. This particular pair was recorded in the inventory of the Bow Room at Warwick House before being transferred to Windsor Castle on 11 December 1828. They are also documented in the Pictorial Inventory of 1827–1833, commissioned by King George IV to catalogue the clocks, vases, candelabra, and other objets d’art considered for the refurbishment of Windsor Castle (see last image). Another pair was owned by Armand Samuel, Marquis de Marescot (1758–1832), a distinguished general of the Empire, while yet another belonged to the celebrated French archaeologist, the Marquis de Baye. Additionally, two further pairs were part of the collection at the Château de Grand-Vaux in Savigny-sur-Orge.


This museum-quality pair of Empire candelabra embodies the pinnacle of early French Empire craftsmanship, distinguished by its meticulous sculpting and intricate chiselling. The candelabra retain their original mercury gilding and remain in an exceptional state of preservation.


Origin: France, early Empire period circa 1805.
Dimensions: Height: 57 cm (22.4″), Width: 21.5 cm (8.5″), Depth: 14 cm (5.5″). Dimensions of the square base: 13 x 13 cm (5.1″ x 5.1″).


Literature
- Giacomo & Rozenn Wannenes, “Les bronzes ornementaux et les objets montés de Louis XIV à Napoléon III”, Editions Vasor, Milan, 2004, p.382.
- P. Marmottan, “Le Style Empire”, Paris, 1930, vol. V, illustrating an identical pair of candelabra from the collection of the marquis de Baye.
- Royal Collection Trust, United Kingdom, inventory nrs. 9485, 934822, 2400869.
- Catalogue des collections Empire du Château de Grand-Vaux, Savigny-Sur-Orge, 1935, p.38 no. 228.